The Gastroenterologist And His Daughter Sandra Mikhail

This topic is worth a 2-part series as there is so much to cover! Your hosts explore the spectrum of diagnostic tools available to assess gut health and decipher the most common tests, debunk myths, and shed light on the reliability of various diagnostic methods. From stool tests to endoscopy, Sandra and Wagdy aim to equip you with the knowledge you need to know about gut health diagnostics and what they all mean. This episode covers: 

Stool tests, why we need them and what your poo’s colour, consistency and other faecal markers can tell usWhat makes an essential blood work up Understanding markers such as CRP and antibody serologySandra’s take on screening for “leaky gut” using Zonulin Why you shouldn’t take a microbiome testHow food intolerance tests are the biggest wellness scam 
This episode is packed with information so we do suggest keeping some notes! Part 2 will cover the next set of diagnostics such as breath tests and imaging (CT, MRI and Ultrasounds) so make sure you hit the follow button not to miss an episode! 

If you have any questions about gut health tests and diagnostics, don’t forget to send your questions through to   info@nutrition-az.com

Previous episodes to listen to that have been mentioned today:
S01E04 | All about poo Part 1: Understanding Constipation
S01E05 | All about poo Part 2: Understanding Diarrhoea
S01E08 | Debunking Leaky Gut with guest dietitian, Kirsten Jackson

In today’s mini episode, Sandra’s flying solo and explores how IBS affects men and women differently. She uncovers the various factors contributing to these sex differences, from hormones and immune responses to psychosocial influences. Learn why women often experience more pronounced symptoms and how understanding these nuances can lead to more personalised approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're living with IBS or simply curious about the science behind it, this episode offers valuable insights into a common yet often misunderstood condition. Today’s episode covers:
Explanation of sex differences in IBS prevalence and symptom presentationRole of hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone, in influencing gut functionSex-specific differences on the gut microbiota and immune responsesInfluence of psychosocial factors such as stress, anxiety, and societal norms on IBSImportance of personalised approaches to diagnosis and management based on sex differencesCall for greater awareness, research, and support for individuals living with IBS
We hope you’ve been enjoying our episodes and please don’t forget to follow, rate and review our pod not to miss an episode and for us to keep working hard to bring you more! 
Resources and support: 
Chapter 9 of  The Gut Chronicles:
Season 1 Episode 2: Cracking the IBS code
Nutrition A-Z Rebalance Programs: The Gut Edition 

Free Workshop 30.04.2024
The GUTSMART Workshop: A proven blueprint to master your gut health and IBS

Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
Sandra Mikhail
Wagdy Mikhail 

For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness. Sandra Mikhail’s upcoming book out May 2023. 

It’s hard to believe that the pod is a year old! This IBS awareness month, your hosts cover advances and developments that impact how IBS is being managed. Before listening to this episode, please revisit this episode here that talks about cracking the IBS code covering everything you need to know about irritable bowel syndrome. Today’s episode covers:
The main areas of IBS research to dateEmerging treatments and studies investigating the gut microbiome in IBSUpdates with the FODMAP process and its cons such as disordered eating Sandra’s GUTSMART method in managing IBSThe gut-brain axis in IBSBreaking the stigma around a diagnosis of IBS should be part of every gut specialist’s mission. IBS is a chronic, relapsing disorder that extends beyond gut motility issues and includes intestinal dysbiosis and a disordered gut–brain interaction. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial to work towards living with a more blissful gut. 
Resources and support: 
Chapter 9 of  The Gut Chronicles:
Season 1 Episode 2: Cracking the IBS code
Nutrition A-Z Rebalance Programs: The Gut Edition Free Workshop: The GUTSMART Method workshop 30.04.2024

In this mini episode, Sandra shares her most recent health hiccup which made her break a 13 year streak of no antibiotics. Antibiotics are life-saving medications that have been overly prescribed over this past decade with devastating consequences such as antibiotic resistance. However, there is a time and place when antibiotics are needed. If you’ve had to go on a course of antibiotics recently, then this episode is for you. Today’s episode covers:
Sandra’s health update that led her to take antibioticsHow probiotic supplements can backfire after antibioticsThe 3-step guide to restoring your gut health after antibiotics with foodWhy prebiotics should be the focusFoods that can disrupt the balance of your gut microbes This is also a good time to remind you of an important disclaimer that is constantly highlighted in this podcast: This podcast is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician or healthcare provider. The podcast is for education purposes only and it is advised that you exercise your own judgement before using the information provided. Always consult your healthcare team for medical advice before taking any action.
Get your copy of The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness. 

Do you have any gut-related questions you’d like us to answer live on the pod? Send us your questions via  info@nutrition-az.com

Another season of the pod and kicking things off with very common complaints, and they are heartburn and reflux. GERD or GORD, however you’d like to call it, stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease is a collection of symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. In this episode, Sandra and Wagdy start with their own experiences with reflux before getting into the details of GORD, from signs and symptoms to controversies around medication and how you can manage GORD through nutrition and lifestyle. This episode covers:
Common symptoms of GORD and red flags you should never ignoreThe most common causes of GORDComplications of untreated reflux and how it could turn cancerousBarrett’s OesophagusSandra and Wagdy’s disagreement about PPIsFoods and food behaviours to avoid The 3 ways in which stress can worsen refluxYou may have experienced heartburn or reflux at some point in time but give this episode a listen to learn about what to do when it becomes worrisome, what tests you may need and how nutrition, mind and sleep are crucial pillars to address GORD.
If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to hit the follow button, rate or review the pod! Also, Do you want to have your gut-health questions answered on the pod? Send us your questions via  info@nutrition-az.com

Either there’s something in the water or it’s pure coincidence, but this has been a year that Sandra’s seen so many clients diagnosed with diverticular disease. In the 10th episode of the season, your hosts talk about the silent condition impacting millions worldwide and that is Diverticular disease. In this episode, they walk you through everything you need to know about this condition including prevention and management through a round of fact or fiction. This episode covers:

Diverticular disease 101A real life example of a patient from diagnosis and where they are to dateFact or fiction about fibre, nuts and seeds, antibiotics and surgery3 high fibre strategies Sandra’s clients have adopteDAnd more! 
Sandra and Wagdy close off another season with their gut health tips for 2024! More guests are lined up for the next instalment so make sure you hit the follow button not to miss an episode! 

Do you want to have your gut-health questions answered on the pod? Send us your questions via  info@nutrition-az.com

Wishing you all a gut healthy 2024 ahead!